Small Island  at Leeds Playhouse borders on brilliance and ranks amongst one of the finest productions that I have reviewed since the theatre first opened on Quarry Hill.

This new portrayal of Andrea Levy’s novel Small Island, adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson  is a joint production with Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse in association with Actors Touring Company.

I must admit that I was rather daunted before the show when I learned the length of production which runs for nearly three and a half hours – but I need not have been for the first act passed so quickly and enthralled me so much I couldn’t wait to get back to my seat after the interval to rejoin the performance.

Directed by Matthew Xia Small Island’s narrative, set, design and cast are totally outstanding in this moving, energetic totally seamless production.

It is an emotionally powerful production laced with humour of poignant moments  and takes us on a journey  from the sun drenched shores of Jamaica to the harsh reality of 1940’s London and post-war Britain.

We meet Hortense (Anna Crichlow) and Gilbert (Daniel Ward) Jamaican migrants in search of respect and a sense of belonging. Queenie (Bronte Barbe) their landlady, an Englishwoman who defies convention whose husband Bernard (Mark Arends) tries reluctantly to accept change.

Together they discover love across culture, class and colour and the fragile hope of a shared future.

It would be hard to single out any particular cast member or stand out performances. This is definitely an ensemble piece where the cast double and treble roles each creating believable characterizations, emotion and pathos one moment and lighter and comedic moments the next.

Small Island is an enjoyable but moving experience and one that will have you seeking out Andrea Levy’s novel.

Runs at Leeds Playhouse until 28^th March

Liz Coggins is a member of the Critics Circle